Item No. 1 of 1

INVESTIGATOR: Taylor, F.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
WINSTON COUNTY SELF HELP COOPERATIVE
PO BOX 23813
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39225

ENHANCING THE SUSTAINABILITY AND VIABILITY OF BEGINNING FARMERS AND RANCHERS THROUGH TRAINING EXERCISES, MENTORING AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) is seeking funding from USDA to support its project, entitled "Enhancing the Sustainability and Viability of Beginning Farmers and Ranchers through Training Exercises, Mentoring and Outreach Programs". This project is designed to assist new and beginning limited-resource farm families in obtaining access to information, hands-on training exercises, mentoring and other outreach activities that will enhance their agricultural enterprises. WCSHC is requesting $566,601 in Standard Project BFRDP funding to support these efforts. Therefore, project funds will be used to provide in-depth training and services for 200 limited-resource beginning farmers and ranchers in communities through eastern Mississippi. At least ten percent (200) of program participants will be military veterans. WCSHC Board members have identified the need to assist a new generation of beginning farmer, ranchers and veterans as the organization's core focus during the next ten years. This project will be built upon successful efforts convened from the organization's programming efforts supporting local businesses and circulating wealth family-scale farms. It is our hope that this funding will help to sustain these efforts in the short term while we develop key strategies for long-term efforts. We expect to use this opportunity to further expand our organization's in-house capacity for education, training and mentorship among African-American beginning farmers and ranchers. Second, we expect to build a broader private-level funding stream (from local donors, foundations, state and local agencies, cooperation, supporters, beginning farmer and ranchers contributions as they succeed and achieve better economic outcomes) and from monthly and annual dues and other contributions by the cooperative members. This two-tiered strategy will enable us to continue beginning farmer training long after public support of these efforts is no longer available. Additionally, WCSHC will expand services to assist limited resource farmers, ranchers and veterans in the creation of pilot projects to expand, promote and improve inclusiveness for beginning farmers and ranchers. WCSHC beginning farmers and rancher's team members will provide training related to getting farming enterprises off-the-ground with plans and resources for expansion. WCSHC will reach out to this community through innovative social media work.

OBJECTIVES: The over-riding goal of this project is to educate and distribute research-based information that will influence the ability of least 200 new beginning farmers and ranchers to compete and thrive. Project participants will be exposed to issues that engage them in a model of learning through hands-on training, mentoring and outreach programs that enhance self-employment in farming ranching and forestry opportunities. They will have the ability to apply research-based information, solve new and complex problems, and use the knowledge in new situations. Our audience will be knowledgeable in both economic and ecological subjects and will have the tools to make better production, management and marketing decisions. This project will serve as a model for other organizations.Therefore, the specific objectives are to educate new beginning farmers and ranchers on:Knowledge, skills, and to stimulate hands-on training on sustainable agriculture production practicesDifferent market outlets /alternatives.Farm management (farm record keeping, farm/ business planning, legal support for farm and estate planning services)Farm financial information (access to capital, awareness and access to federal and state agricultural programs).

APPROACH: Plan of operation and Methodology:WCSHC project staff and other project collaborators (Mississippi State, Alcorn State, NRCS, FSA, State Forestry Commission and Forest Service) will meet to modify the existing WCSHC training guide (curriculum) or obtain a new training guide that will meet the needs of our target audience. Modules developed will cover the program objectives. We intend to have 72 educational and training activities over a three-year period. Additionally, we intend to conduct one-on-one farm visits to small farmers/ranchers in targeted counties. These activities will be offered and be provided in local communities throughout the target region of eastern Mississippi. Meetings and educational sessions will take place in a variety of settings appropriate to the size and scope of the meetings. Additional trainings/workshops will also be offered during the field-days at participating farmers' locations who agreed to offer mentorships. WCSHC's track record of working with public and private partners will help us identify available meeting spaces. When transportation is a problem, WCHSC will utilize project resources and partnerships to meet this need for participants. The workshops and training sessions including field-days will be recorded in multi-media to facilitate future learning's.

PROGRESS: 2015/09 TO 2018/08
Target Audience: WCSHC BFRDP educated and provide in-depth training and services for one hundred and eighty-four (184) beginning farmers and ranchers. one hundred and fifty-one (151) were existing limited resource beginning farmers / ranchers and thirty-three (33) new beginning farmers / ranchers in communities through eastern Mississippi. At least ten percent (10%) of program participants was military veterans. Each county had an unfortunate history of high unemployment and low capita personal income level as compared to state and national averages. All program participants were African Americans. Participants range from 18-84 years or age. Changes/Problems:WCSHC believes strongly that the project work-plan and activities was achieved success. However, there were some clear limitations and challenges faced by the project. It is possible that not all identified project participants was able to attend and follow through on all project activities. Some of the participants, like in earlier projects, face severe economic situations that make their time and participation tenuous. It was our strategy to develop a program that meets these challenges by providing transportation and mentoring resources to address the challenges faced by low-income participants. Still, we acknowledge that this focused on a lower-income, lower-education population. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? A final report was completed and disseminated to Program Participants, USDA Offices, Local and state Officials, report was also place in our quarterly newsletter and shown on our WCSHC website. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

IMPACT: 2015/09 TO 2018/08
What was accomplished under these goals? WCSHC Outreach Staff along with USDA Representatives and other state and local organizations held thirty-two (32) Program Awareness Workshops. These events were developed to promote USDA Programs and other Services to increase participation among small farmers/ranchers in our targeted areas. WCSHC hosted thirty-eight (38) workshops. These events include: forest land management, completion of forest management plans, (production, marketing and harvesting of alternative crops), delinquent taxes, livestock production, completion of census forms, credit counseling, vegetable planting dates and seed selection, estate planning and land loss prevention. There was a total of twenty-one (21) farm field days and farm tours held on designated demonstration sites within our targeted areas. Small farmers/ranchers were able to gain a wealth of hands-on experiences in crop and livestock production; forestry and land management; harvesting and marketing of alternative crops and value-added of fruits and vegetables. WCSHC Agribusiness Management Specialists conducted five hundred and forty-nine (549) farm visits to small farmers/ ranchers in targeted counties. Program participants were advised record keeping, completion of farm and home plans, year-end analysis, livestock production, crop production, harvesting and marketing of vegetable crops, forage management plans, completion of loan applications, land taxes and other outreach services. Agribusiness Management Specialists assisted sixty-three (63) small farmers with the planting, production, marketing and value-added of spring and fall vegetable crops which included mushrooms, peas, greens, squash, okra, watermelons and others. WCSHC and its partners conducted numerous livestock production and management training workshops for program participants. Through WCSHC Heifer program, the co-op gave five (5) beginning farm families twenty-three (23) animals to start their cattle operation. The market bulletin highlights small producers in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana who generates income from their farms. This is an excellent marketing strategy that allows small farmers to sell their products through the Internet. WCSHC hosted sixteen (16) live talk radio programs. These radio talk shows allowed USDA Officials, Extension and non-profit organizations personnel to dialogue on issues affecting landowners, farmers/ranchers and natural resources enthusiasts. WCSHC's radio program has a listen audience of twenty-four thousand five hundred (24,500) targeted in the southeastern states with exponentially growth throughout the United States. WCSHC provided information to small farmers/ranchers and program participants through its quarterly newsletters which include USDA Programs, crop / livestock production, extension services, upcoming events and others. You can read previous newsletters @ www.wcshc.com/. Visit us online @ www.blogtalkradio.com/savingruralamerica. Results from our financial management and credit counseling courses indicates thatthirty-nine (39) program participants applied for farm operating loans, and twenty-four (24) loans were approved totaling approximately ($1,726,000). WCSHC Youth Group consists of sixty- five (65) youth, ages ranged from ten (10) to eighteen (18) years old. Forty-two (42) youth participated in our agriculture youth mentor program. As a result of the mentor training program, thirteen (13) youth received loans from FSA to purchase livestock and equipment and four (4) youth were awarded scholarships from Alcorn State University to major in Agriculture. Approximately two hundred and fifty-two (252) acres of vegetable crops were grown and harvested by program participants. WCSHC worked closely with Alcorn State University Extension in the marketing, value-added and the selling of these vegetable crops. Estimated value was approximately ($201,600). Program participants participated in a series of USDA Program Awareness Workshops, fifty-nine (59) program participants were able to take advantage of NRCS Cost Share Programs, thirty-six (36) small farmers/ranchers received cost-share assistance for fence repairs and pasture maintenance, fifteen (15) obtained irrigation systems and eight (8) received financial aid to construct hoop houses. During the grant period an evaluation plan was implemented to establish the overall effectiveness and quality of outreach activities conducted by the WCSHC to increase farm income and improve the quality of life of one hundred and eighty-four (184) small farmers / ranchers located in East Central Mississippi. Evaluation methods for the project period included, written and verbal surveys at the end of each event; interviews post-events; yearly business assessment; and follow-up face-to face technical assistance. Findings indicated 55% had a change in knowledge of operating a farm; 70% had a change in attitude; 60% had a change in behavior/approach and 90% planned to continue farming. During the grant period, program participants received ongoing intensive educational training, technical assistance and managerial developmental skills. This was accomplished through workshops, field-days, face-to-face meetings and other training methods to increase the sustainability of small farmers / ranchers in target areas. Results of those who participated in the program indicated that 60% changed farming/land management practices; 52% developed farm plans; 30% changed in marketing practices; 60% changed in business practices. One key innovation was utilized in this project was a robust social media presence. We utilized online platforms to report and educate a wide audience of participants. Tools l included website enhancements, collaborative online community resource sharing, face book, twitter and more. We expect that this approach would have been of interest to socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers and veterans. Our existing relationships with this population have led to conversations about how crucial these approaches were for sharing resources and opportunities. Secondly, project participants were exposed to issues that engage them in a model of learning that demands more than the mere recitation of facts. They now have the ability to apply research-based information, solve new and complex problems, and use the knowledge in new situations. Therefore, this project can serve as a model for other organizations.

PUBLICATIONS (not previously reported): 2015/09 TO 2018/08
No publications reported this period.

PROGRESS: 2017/09/01 TO 2018/08/31
Target Audience: WCSHC BFRDP educated and provide in-depth training and services for one hundred and eighty-four (184) existing limited-resource beginning farmers / ranchers and 20 new limited-resource beginning farmers / ranchers in communities through eastern Mississippi. At least ten percent (10%) of program participants was military veterans. ? Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? An Annual Report was completed and disseminated to Program Participants, USDA Offices, Local and state Officials, report was place in our quarterly newsletter and shown on our WCSHC website. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Grant period ended on August 31 ,2018. A final report will be completed and submitted. ?

IMPACT: 2017/09/01 TO 2018/08/31
What was accomplished under these goals? WCSHC Agribusiness Management Specialists conducted two hundred and twenty-nine (229) farm visits to small farmers/ ranchers in targeted counties. Program participants were advised record keeping, completion of farm and home plans, year-end analysis, fall harvesting of vegetables, livestock production, (production, harvesting and marketing of vegetable crops), forage management plans, completion of loan applications, land taxes and other outreach services. WCSHC Agribusiness Management Specialists assisted thirteen (13) small farmers and youth with the completion of loans applications to purchase livestock, equipment and crop production. These applications were totaling over six hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars ($675,000). WCSHC hosted ten (10) workshops and thirteen (13) field-days. These events include: forest land management, completion of forest management plans, (production, marketing and harvesting of alternative crops), delinquent taxes, livestock production, completion of census forms, credit counseling, vegetable planting dates and seed selection and estate planning and land loss prevention. Approximately five hundred and twenty (520) small farmers attended these events. Agribusiness Management Specialists assisted twenty-six (26) small farmers with the planting, production, marketing and value-added of spring and fall vegetable crops which included mushrooms, peas, greens, squash, okra, watermelons and others. Approximately sixty-nine (69) acres of vegetable crops were grown and harvested by program participants. WCSHC worked closely with Alcorn State University Extension in the marketing, value-added and the selling of these vegetable crops. Estimated value was approximately one hundred and three thousand dollars (103,000). WCSHC and its partners conducted five (5) Saving Rural America Conferences. Theme: "Resilient to the Cause and Applying Resolutely". These one-day conferences provided education and resources to small farm operators and foster relationships between farmers and community partners. Partners include personnel from USDA Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rural Development, Alcorn State University Extension Service, Mississippi State Extension Service, Mississippi Forestry Commission and other Community Organizations. Approximately three hundred and eighty (380) small farmers/ ranchers and public citizens were in attendance. WCSHC hosted nine (9) radio talk show programs. These radio talk shows allow USDA Officials, Extension and non-profit organizations personnel to dialogue on issues affecting landowners, farmers/ranchers and natural resources enthusiasts. WCSHC's radio program listen audience is targeted in the southeastern states with exponentially growth throughout the United States. WCSHC provided information to small farmers/ranchers and program participants through its quarterly newsletters which include USDA Programs, crop / livestock production, extension services, upcoming events and others. You can read previous newsletters @ www.wcshc.com/. Visit us online @ www.blogtalkradio.com/savingruralamerica or call 323-580-5735 to speak to the host. WCSHC conducted fourteen (14) USDA programs awareness meetings/workshops during the grant period. Those meetings/workshops main objective was to inform small farmers/ranchers in Mississippi of the varieties of Programs offered through USDA and Extension that could enhance their farm operations and increase farm income. · Farm Service Agency discussed farm ownership, operating and ancillary purchasing such as storage bends. Additionally, FSA elaborated on the new streamlined EZ guaranty loan. This loan requires less information; however, you must meet the normal requirements to obtain funds. You apply for loan through a local bank or credit union and if you receive approval, then, USDA will guarantee up to 95 percent of the total loan. Also, he discussed youth loans requirements. · Nass discussed census forms. This data helps determine, which programs will receive funding such as Environmental Quality Incentive Program, therefore, WCSHC worked diligently and feverishly to ensure farmers return completed census forms. · USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service discussed how small farmers and ranchers can conserve the Nation's soil, water, air and other natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment. · Rural Development discussed their housing loans and grants programs. Most of these workshops were held on small farmers and ranchers' farms, community centers and extension offices. Approximately six hundred and twelve (612) small farmers/ ranchers and public citizens were in attendance. IMPACTS/RESULT During the grant period of September 1, 2017-August 31, 2018 an evaluation plan was implemented to establish the overall effectiveness and quality of outreach activities conducted by the Winston County Self Help Cooperative Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program (BFRDP) was to increase farm income and improve the quality of life of two hundred (200) small farmers / ranchers located in East Central Mississippi. Evaluation methods for the project year included, written and verbal surveys at the end of each event; interviews post-events; yearly business assessment; and follow-up face-to face technical assistance. Findings indicated 55% had a change in knowledge of operating a farm; 70% had a change in attitude; 60% had a change in behavior/approach and 90% planned to continue farming. During the year, program participants received ongoing intensive educational training, technical assistance and managerial developmental skills. This was accomplished through workshops, field-days, face-to-face meetings and other training methods to increase the sustainability of small farmers / ranchers in target areas. Results of those who participated in the program indicated that 60% changed farming/land management practices; 52% developed farm plans; 30% changed in marketing practices; 60% changed in business practices.

PUBLICATIONS: 2017/09/01 TO 2018/08/31
No publications reported this period.

PROGRESS: 2016/09/01 TO 2017/08/31
Target Audience:During the second year of the project, WCSHC BFRDP was able to reach a target audience of approximately 120 potential as well as existing farmers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?An Annual Report was completed and disseminated to Program Participants, USDA Officies, Local and state Officials, report was place in our quarterly news letter and shown on our WCSHC website. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Same activities listed in proposal.

IMPACT: 2016/09/01 TO 2017/08/31
What was accomplished under these goals? BFRDP 2017 Input Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC)'s Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program (BFRDP) activities for the period of September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2017 consisted of surveys, training, conferences, workshops, one-on-one home and farm visits, outreach meetings and field days. WCSHC partnered with USDA Agencies, Land Grant Universities and other local agencies to address the needs of small farmers and ranchers in our targeted areas. A series of educational and training workshops were conducted to program participants to help increase their overall farm income and improve their quality of life. WCSHC BFRDP conducted twelve (12) awareness meetings/workshops during the months of September1, 2016 - August 31, 2017. Those meetings/workshops main objective were to inform small farmers/ranchers in Mississippi of the varieties of Programs offered through USDA and Extension that could enhance their farm operations and increase farm income. Farm Service Agency discussed farm ownership, operating and ancillary purchasing such as storage bends. Additionally, FSA elaborated on the new streamlined EZ guaranty loan. This loan requires less information; however, you must meet the normal requirements to obtain funds. You apply for loan through a local bank or credit union and if you receive approval, then, USDA will guarantee up to 95 percent of the total loan. Also, he discussed youth loans requirements. Nass discussed census forms. This data helps determine, which programs will receive funding such as Environmental Quality Incentive Program, therefore, WCSHC worked diligently and feverishly to ensure farmers return completed census forms. You can complete census forms online. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service discussed how small farmers and ranchers can conserve the Nation's soil, water, air and other natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment. Rural Development discussed their housing loans and grants. (Most of these workshops were held on small farmers /rancher's farms). Approximately three hundred and forty-nine (349) small farmers/ ranchers and public citizens were in attendance. WCSHC Staff provided other assistance to small farmers and ranchers, which included credit counseling, market development, land and equipment purchases, and estate planning. Agribusiness Management Specialists conducted one hundred and sixty-four (164) one-on-one farm visits to assist program participants with record-keeping, land and soil preparation, development of farm business plans, completion of loan applications, crop and livestock production, marketing and whole farm planning. Seven (7) vegetable production workshops and four (4) livestock management seminars were also held. WCSHC rented forty (40) acres of land and utilizes the land as a demonstration site for land grazing and other conservation initiatives. Three (3) farm field days were conducted on this site to educate small farmers and ranchers on the vitality of rotational grazing and better land management. WCSHC sponsored four (4) Saving Rural America and Youth Conferences. The conferences focused on educating small farmers and ranchers of USDA Programs availability, improving farm management practices and increasing farm income. Approximately four hundred and twenty-five (425) small farmers, ranchers, and youth, were in attendance. WCSHC staff conducted one Saving Rural America Rally. The goal of the rally was to engage farmers, consumers, service providers, stake holders, extension and other continents raise awareness of team work and to disseminate credible information to rural America which will propel end user to develop success farm enterprises. Agribusiness Management Specialists assisted twenty-nine (29) small farmers with the planting, production, marketing and value-added of fall and spring vegetable crops. Approximately forty-five (45) acres of vegetable crops were grown and harvested by program participants. WCSHC worked closely with Alcorn State University Extension and New North Florida Cooperative in the marketing, value-added and the selling of these vegetable crops. They then were sold to local schools, churches and the public. WCSHC provided information to small farmers/ranchers through its quarterly newsletters which include USDA Programs, crop production, extension, upcoming events and others. You can read previous newsletters at the website www.wcshc.com Impact Our targeted audience consisted of 60 (60) small farmers/ranchers located in East Mississippi. During two (2) years of the project, WCSHC increase its program participants to approximately one hundred and twelve (112) beginning/ small farmers/ranchers. After two (2) years of operation WCSHC surveyed one hundred and twelve (112) program participants. Findings indicated 75% had a change in knowledge; 70% had a change in attitude; 70% had a change in behavior/ approach; 60% has a change in farm/ land management practices; 43% developed farm plans; 60% change in marketing practices; 65% changed business practices; 85% of program participants still operate their farm and 15% have discontinued farming. Results from our financial and business workshops indicated that there was an overall increase of 20% farm income for program participants. Program participants participated in a series of USDA Program Awareness Workshops. Results of those workshops show that there was a 45% increase in participation in USDA Programs. Many small farmers and ranchers took advantage of some of those programs. One that we feel that was the most helpful to our program participants was the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). Approximately eighteen (18) small farmers / ranchers were able to receive financial assistance with the construction of hoop houses, fencing, development of ponds, land grazing and irrigation. A series of training sessions was conducted to assist existing as well as beginning farmers and ranchers with the completion of farm loan applications. A total of twelve (12) farm loan applications were submitted which included loans for farm operating, farm ownership and youth loans. A total of seven (10) were approved in the amount of five hundred and thirty-one thousand ($531,000) dollars. WCSHC Youth Group consists of sixty- five (65) youth, ages ranged from ten (10) to eighteen (18) years old. fifteen (15) youth participated in our agriculture youth mentor program. As a result of the mentor training program, four (4) youth received loans from FSA to purchase livestock and equipment and two (2) youth were awarded scholarships from Alcorn State University to major in Agriculture. Through WCSHC Heifer program, the co-op gives families', five (5) animals to start their cattle operation. In return, families pass five (5) quality heifers to another family, to help start their cattle operation, and in 2017 the co-op passed on eighteen (18) heifers. The Heifer program has spawned over five hundred (500) animals and created thousands of dollars for the local economy. WCSHC launched its 2017 Farmer's Market Bulletin, July 2017. The market bulletin highlights small producers in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana who generates income from their farms. This was an excellent marketing strategy that allows small farmers to sell their products through the Internet. WCSHC hosted six (6) live talk radio programs. These radio talk shows allowed USDA Officials, Extension and non-profit organizations personnel to dialogue on issues affecting landowners, farmers/ranchers and natural resources enthusiasts. WCSHC's radio program has a listen audience of twenty-four thousand five hundred (24,500) targeted in the southeastern states with exponentially growth throughout the United States. Visit us online @ www.blogtalkradio.com/savingruralamerica or call 323-580-5735 to speak to the hos

PUBLICATIONS: 2016/09/01 TO 2017/08/31
No publications reported this period.

PROGRESS: 2015/09/01 TO 2016/08/31
Target Audience:WCSHC consisted of 60 small limited farrmers and ranchers in east MS. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

IMPACT: 2015/09/01 TO 2016/08/31
What was accomplished under these goals? BFRDP 2016 Input The Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) initiated its Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program (BFRDP) on September 1, 2015. The primary goal of the program is to enhance the viability and profitability of small farmers and ranchers in rural eastern Mississippi by providing technical and managerial assistance to our targeted audience. At the start of the program, our targeted audience consisted of sixty (60) beginning small farmers and ranchers who owned or leased or wish to start a farming enterprise(s). Socioeconomics of the group consists of limited resource farmers and ranchers with an annual average unemployment rate ranging between 7.3 and 8.8, well above the State and National respective averages of 5.6 and 8.1 percentages. Small limited resource farmers and ranchers population in the region are typically in the NASS age bracket of 65 years and older. Currently, active farmers are aging and a notable decline in the number of the younger generation entering the farming workforce. The generational decline in the agricultural workforce most likely arises from the perception of farming. Hence, younger individuals are reluctant to seek opportunities in agriculture enterprises. Many landowners have retired from active farming. However, their land ownership/possession represent a tremendous potential for unutilized/underutilized opportunities for their immediate and extended families. Transferring these assets to family members and rendering critical training such as farm ownership and management skills that will re-activate farm operation is a necessity. WCSHC BFRDP activities consisted of surveys, training, conferences, workshops, one-on-one home and farm visits, outreach meetings and field days. WCSHC partnered with USDA Agencies, Land-Grant Universities, and other local agencies to address the needs of small farmers and ranchers in our targeted areas. The specific objectives are to educate new beginning farmers and ranchers on: (1) knowledge, skills, and to stimulate hands-on training on sustainable agriculture production practices (2) different market outlets/alternatives (3) farm management, farm record keeping, farm business planning, legal support for farm and estate planning services and (4) farm financial information, access to capital, awareness and access to federal and state agricultural programs. WCSHC BFRDP consists of a project director, staff, and agribusiness management specialists. A series of educational and training workshops were conducted to program participants, to help increase their overall farm income and improve their quality of life. WCSHC and its partners held six (6) USDA program availability workshops, seven (7) vegetable production workshops and four (4) livestock management seminars. WCSHC Staff provided other assistance to small farmers and ranchers, which included credit counseling, market development, land and equipment purchases, and estate planning. Agribusiness Management Specialists conducted one hundred and fifty-six (156) one-on-one farm visits to assist program participants with record-keeping, land and soil preparation, development of farm business plans, completion of loan applications, crop and livestock production, marketing and whole farm planning. WCSHC sponsored eight (8) Saving Rural America and Youth Conferences. The conferences focused on educating small farmers and ranchers of USDA Programs availability, improving farm management practices and increasing farm income. Approximately three hundred and ten (310) small farmers, ranchers, and youth, were in attendance. WCSHC rented forty (40) acres of land and utilizes the land as a demonstration site for land grazing and other conservation initiatives. Two (2) farm field days were conducted on this site to educate small farmers and ranchers on the vitality of rotational grazing and better land management. Impact Fourteen (14) program participants applied for farm operating loans, and ten (10) loans were approved totaling ($520,000). Five (5) youth received loans from FSA to purchase livestock and equipment. Program participants participated in a series of USDA program awareness workshops. Results of those workshops show that there was a 15% increase in participation in USDA Programs. Twenty-three (23) program participants were able to take advantage of NRCS Cost Share Programs, thirteen (13) small farmers/ranchers received cost-share assistance for fence repairs and pasture maintenance, five (5) obtained irrigation systems and three (3) received financial aid to construct hoop houses. Additionally, program participants' timber sales grossed over ($300,000.) WCSHC launched its 2016 Farmer's Market Bulletin, July 2016. The market bulletin highlights small producers in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana who generates income from their farms. This is an excellent marketing strategy that allows small farmers to sell their products through the Internet. Through our Heifer program, the co-op gives families', five (5) animals to start their cattle operation. In return, families pass five (5) quality heifers to another family, to help start their cattle operation, and in 2016 the co-op passed on eighteen (18) heifers. The Heifer program has spawned over five hundred (500) animals and created thousands of dollars for the local economy. After one year of operating the BFRDP project, findings indicated 75% had a change in knowledge; 70% had a change in attitude; 75% had a change in behavior/approach. During the year, program participants received ongoing educational training and technical/managerial assistance. This was accomplished through workshops, field days, face-to-face meetings and other training methods to increase the sustainability and profitability of small farmers and ranchers in eastern MS. Results of those who participated in the program after one year indicated that 45% has a change in farm/land management practices; 54% developed farm plans; 35% changed in marketing practices; 40% changed business practices; 95% of program participants still operate their farm. Results from our financial and business workshops indicated that there was an overall increase of 8% farm income for program participants.

PUBLICATIONS: 2015/09/01 TO 2016/08/31
No publications reported this period.